Bank of Canada Rate Announcement July 11th, 2018

Shanna Davis • July 11, 2018

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1 ½ per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 ¾ per cent and the deposit rate is 1 ¼ per cent.

The Bank expects the global economy to grow by about 3 ¾ per cent in 2018 and 3 ½ per cent in 2019, in line with the April Monetary Policy Report (MPR). The US economy is proving stronger than expected, reinforcing market expectations of higher policy rates and pushing up the US dollar. This is contributing to financial stresses in some emerging market economies. Meanwhile, oil prices have risen. Yet, the Canadian dollar is lower, reflecting broad-based US dollar strength and concerns about trade actions. The possibility of more trade protectionism is the most important threat to global prospects.

Canada’s economy continues to operate close to its capacity and the composition of growth is shifting. Temporary factors are causing volatility in quarterly growth rates: the Bank projects a pick-up to 2.8 per cent in the second quarter and a moderation to 1.5 per cent in the third. Household spending is being dampened by higher interest rates and tighter mortgage lending guidelines. Recent data suggest housing markets are beginning to stabilize following a weak start to 2018. Meanwhile, exports are being buoyed by strong global demand and higher commodity prices. Business investment is growing in response to solid demand growth and capacity pressures, although trade tensions are weighing on investment in some sectors. Overall, the Bank still expects average growth of close to 2 per cent over 2018-2020.

CPI and the Bank’s core measures of inflation remain near 2 per cent, consistent with an economy operating close to capacity. CPI inflation is expected to edge up further to about 2.5 per cent before settling back to 2 per cent by the second half of 2019. The Bank estimates that underlying wage growth is running at about 2.3 per cent, slower than would be expected in a labour market with no slack.

As in April, the projection incorporates an estimate of the impact of trade uncertainty on Canadian investment and exports. This effect is now judged to be larger, given mounting trade tensions.

The July projection also incorporates the estimated impact of tariffs on steel and aluminum recently imposed by the United States, as well as the countermeasures enacted by Canada. Although there will be difficult adjustments for some industries and their workers, the effect of these measures on Canadian growth and inflation is expected to be modest.

Governing Council expects that higher interest rates will be warranted to keep inflation near target and will continue to take a gradual approach, guided by incoming data. In particular, the Bank is monitoring the economy’s adjustment to higher interest rates and the evolution of capacity and wage pressures, as well as the response of companies and consumers to trade actions.

Here are the remaining announcements dates for 2018.

September 5th 2018
October 24th 2018*
December 5th 2018

*Monetary Policy Report published

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Worried About Your Mortgage Renewal? You’re Not Alone

By Shanna Davis • June 18, 2025

Worried About Your Mortgage Renewal? You’re Not Alone If your mortgage renewal is coming up soon, you're likely feeling a bit of financial pressure—and you’re not the only one. A recent survey shows that over half of Canadian homeowners believe their upcoming mortgage renewal could impact their current living situation. With interest rates still higher than what many borrowers locked in before 2022, 45% of those renewing in the next 12 months expect their monthly payments to increase. Even though the Bank of Canada has held its key overnight rate steady at 2.75%, borrowing costs remain elevated compared to the low-rate years we saw earlier in the decade. And that’s changing how Canadians think about their finances. Changing Plans and Tightening Budgets Among those worried about their renewal, 73% say they’re already cutting back on discretionary spending—things like eating out, entertainment, or travel—to brace for higher mortgage payments. For many, it goes deeper than just trimming the budget. Nearly one in four surveyed homeowners said they’re rethinking their entire financial strategy. Some are pressing pause on home renovations (43%), while others are considering downsizing or relocating to a more affordable area (29%). A smaller group (15%) is even open to major lifestyle changes, like moving in with roommates or relocating to a new neighbourhood altogether. Fixed-Rate Mortgages on the Rise In this climate, most homeowners looking to renew are leaning toward fixed-rate mortgages, with 75% preferring the stability of predictable payments. For those facing uncertainty, locking in a rate for the next few years can offer peace of mind—even if it means paying a little more in the short term. First-Time Buyers Are Feeling It Too It’s not just current homeowners feeling the pinch. A separate survey found that more than half of Canadians planning to buy a home are cutting back on non-essential spending to save for their down payment or other buying costs. About 31% are even considering tapping into savings or investment accounts like TFSAs, RRSPs, or first-time home savings accounts to make their purchase possible. What This Means for You Whether you’re preparing to renew or purchase for the first time, this environment calls for smart, strategic planning. You’re not alone in feeling uncertain—but with the right guidance, you can navigate these changes confidently. Have questions about your upcoming renewal or wondering what type of mortgage is right for today’s market? Let’s connect. We're here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your home financing.

Your Guide To The A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By Shanna Davis • June 12, 2025

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.